Earthquake of 6.4 magnitude damages Northern California coast
The United States Geological Survey stated that a magnitude 6.4 earthquake hit the Northern California coast near Eureka on Tuesday morning, resulting in power outages, broken buildings, and casualties.
Tuesday morning at 2:34 a.m., an earthquake struck off the coast of California’s Humboldt County.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office tweeted, “Due to a large earthquake, widespread damage to roads and homes are reported throughout Humboldt County.”
The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the epicentre was located quite close to the cities of Eureka, Ferndale, and Fortuna. Nearby is also the well-known Humboldt Redwoods State Park.
The Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services reported on its Facebook page that “over 70,000 customers are without power as of 5:45 a.m.”
When electricity will be fully restored is unclear, according to the county agency.
It has been reported that two people were hurt, and emergency personnel have confirmed this.
Local residents and media outlets have reported several gas leaks and widespread property damage, including the collapse of buildings in more remote places and the toppling of bookshelves and other household fixtures.
The county’s Office of Emergency Services noted, “Widespread damage has been reported to roads and homes, particularly in the Eel River Valley,”
On Tuesday morning, Humboldt County was rocked by a series of aftershocks, the largest of which was a 4.6-magnitude tremor in the hamlet of Rio Dell, located a few miles inland from the coast.
Within 45 minutes of the first 6.4 magnitude earthquake, the USGS recorded at least 13 aftershocks. Most of the aftershocks were felt in the interior to the east of the epicentre.
Thousands of people in the Bay Area were alerted to the earthquake via the ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning System, which is co-operated by the USGS and spans the West Coast. Although the local notice mentioned the possibility of shaking, it appears that this did not occur.
The National Weather Service has determined that there is no danger of a tsunami.
The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office tweeted at 3:13 am, “Power is out across the county.”
